Sariska Tiger Reserve
Why it matters?
The Environment Ministry, after initially defending Sariska Tiger Reserve boundary rationalisation, agreed to invite public objections to comply with law. Petitioners flagged procedural lapses; the Supreme Court will review the plan and stakeholder consultations before final approval.
What you should know?
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar district, Rajasthan within the Aravalli Range.
The area was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.
Vegetation consists of tropical dry deciduous forests, thorn forests, and semi-evergreen patches, with trees like Dhok, Salar, Kadaya, and Khair.
Bengal tiger, the flagship species, was locally extinct in the early 2000s and reintroduced in 2008, making Sariska the first reserve in India to repopulate tigers after local extinction.
Other mammals include Indian leopard, caracal, jungle cat, striped hyena, sloth bear, sambar, nilgai, and wild boar.
Temples and Tourist Spots in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Neelkanth Temple
Built in the 6th century, known for intricately carved statues.
Pandupol Hanuman Temple
Has mythological links with Mahabharata.